O'Brien knows both passers from their time together with the New England Patriots, where Mallett succeeded Hoyer as Tom Brady's backup. Houston swung a trade in August for Mallet, who has expressed interest in returning to the Texans in 2015.

Hoyer played well out of the gate for the Browns last season before melting down over his final five starts in Cleveland. He's been open about his desire to sign with a squad that will give him a chance to start. Houston is one of the few landing spots that offer that potential opportunity.